New country park run launched at country park

A park run which aims to boost people’s physical activity and their mental health, has launched at a popular country park, with funding support from West Suffolk Council.

West Stow Country Park, which is managed by the council, is the latest venue in the district to offer park runs – free to join 5k courses held every Saturday morning for runners, joggers and walkers.

It has been backed with £4,500 of funding from West Suffolk Council as part of its strategic priority for Thriving Communities.

The funds include £2,700 from the council’s revenue budget for the park, £1,000 from money allocated to the council from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £800 from the West Suffolk Council Locality Budget of councillor Susan Glossop

Stephen Neumann, the event ambassador has established a core team of volunteer-run directors that make the events possible.

The team is actively looking for more volunteers to support the event.

He said: “The idea of park run is to offer something inclusive for all ages so people, whatever their fitness levels, can come along, be part of a community, and run, jog or walk.

“It is getting people physically active, removing barriers to exercise and promoting a sense of belonging, all of which is good for people’s mental health as well.

“It’s a beautiful park to enjoy. We’ve already had a few test runs averaging several hundred people each time which is great.

“We are very grateful for the funding support from the council, and councillor Susan Glossop to help with our set up costs.”

Ian Shipp, the cabinet member for Leisure and Culture at West Suffolk Council, said: “We’re pleased to back this as part of our continuing investment in parks, leisure and culture and other opportunities that support the health and wellbeing of residents across West Suffolk.”

And councillor Glossop, whose Risby ward includes West Stow Country Park, added: “This wonderful initiative brings together people of all ages and abilities.

“It is a supportive community that encourages people to get active which is good for their mental health. I am delighted to be able to support this.”

West Stow Country parkrun is looking for more volunteers. Anyone interested in helping can email weststowcountry@parkrun.com

Runners, joggers, walkers can all join the parkrun every Saturday at 9am.

For more information visit

www.facebook.com/weststowcountryparkrun

www.parkrun.org.uk/weststowcountry/aboutus

Other park runs in West Suffolk take place at Brandon Country Park, Clare Castle Country Park, Mildenhall Hub, Nowton Park and Puddlebrook Playing Fields, in Haverhill.

There are also 2k junior park runs dedicated to four to 14-year-olds and their families, every Sunday morning at Castle Playing Fields, in Haverhill, Mildenhall Hub and Ten Acre Field, in Bury St Edmunds.